We met as teammates on a more-than-year-long virtual running challenge during the COVID pandemic. Before than, Chris Short lost 125 pounds in 9 months. Just recently, he completed the epic challenge of running 8 marathons in 8 days, or 212 miles for a cause bigger than himself. He's my guest this week on the "Run The Race" podcast, which hopefully you'll want to subscribe to.

(2:10) Chris Short of PA, over the summer, did an 8-day segment in the MS Run the US Relay, which is overall is 3200 miles across America. He and 19 other runners have already raised $200,000 for people affected by multiple sclerosis. Why do this epic running challenge? Hear his answer, plus a breakdown of that challenging week, being injured at times, running past huge Iowa cornfields. Chris also talks about sleep, food, crew in RV during that relay.

(20:48) Running has brought him transformation, which includes losing 125 pounds , a team effort with his wife to be disciplined with food and exercise. As he ran more, a nutritionist even told him to eat more! Gotta fuel properly, it's not just about the number on the scale. (28:38) Why does Chris run so much and how does he keep his passion for it? Here's part of how he describes it: ubplugging, solving problems while running, a mental reset, and burning off energy. He also has advice for you: when Motivation fails, that's when Discipline comes in.

(33:34) Chris and I were also on a virtual relay team together in 2020-2021 for the Circumpolar Race Around the World (CRAW). Together, we completed 31,000 miles of running/walking or 50,000 km in 16 months! Chris was tops on our team with 4600 miles - that's 9+ miles a day during those nearly 500 days.

He also has a (40:20) bond with his wife Melody through running, which gives them time together, unique goals, traveling. Chris finally got a BQ and ran the Boston Marathon this year, which he calls a "tricky race." (47:20) This avid runner also has some very sound advice for when the going gets tough, and staying positive to push through. He says break challenges into chunks...keep trying to do the right things daily...don't get overwhelmed...and celebrate victories. (52:22) This week's "Parting Gift" is an inspiring quote from an MS patient, then my closing Prayer.

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